Modulation Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors By The Mokari Diet

Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Status of Vegetarians and Vegans in Comparison to Omnivores in the Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) Study

Plant-based diets usually contain more nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits than a standard Western diet. Yet, the amount and especially the bioavailability of several nutrients, such as trace elements, is supposed to be lower in comparison to diets with consumption of animal-derived foods. Based on this, the Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) study (172 participants) was initiated to compare the trace element status of omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations and biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and during a 12-month intervention with energy- and nutrient-optimized menu plans. The implementation of optimized menu plans did not substantially influence the status of trace elements. At baseline, serum selenium biomarkers were lower in vegetarians and vegans compared to omnivores and flexitarians. The zinc intake of vegetarians and vegans was significantly lower compared to omnivores, whereas the Phytate Diet Score was increased. Accordingly, total serum zinc concentrations were reduced in vegans which was, however, only significant in women and was further supported by the analysis of free zinc. Regarding copper status, no differences were observed for total serum copper. Overall, we identified selenium and zinc as critical nutrients especially when maintaining a vegan diet.

A Study Protocol for a Parallel-Designed Trial Evaluating the Impact of Plant-Based Diets in Comparison to Animal-Based Diets on Health Status and Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases-The Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) Study

Background and Aims: Currently, there is a continuing upward trend for plant-based lifestyles in Germany and Europe. The implementation of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles is characterized by omitting defined food groups such as fish, meat, sausage (vegetarians), or dairy products and honey (vegans). This carries the risk of an undersupply of valuable nutrients. The NuEva study is designed to examine this hypothesis and to evaluate the impact of plant-based diets on health status and disease risk.

Methods: The NuEva study is a parallel-designed trial with at least 55 participants for each diet (vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian [rare meat/sausage consumption, once or twice per week]), and participants who consume a traditional Western diet as the control group. In the screening period critical nutrients are identified for the studied diets by analysis of a broad spectrum of nutrients in the human samples (fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, nutrient metabolites).

Results: Based on the data from the screening period, defined menu plans, ensuring an adequate nutrient intake in accordance with the nutritional guidelines are prepared for each group. The plans are adapted and personalized to individual energy requirements based on the basal metabolic rate and physical activity level. The compliance with the NuEva concept and their impact on nutrient status and cardiovascular risk factors are validated during the intervention period of the NuEva study over 1 year. To investigate the impact of the studied diets on the microbiome, feces samples are collected at the beginning and after the 12 months intervention period (follow up: 12 months).

Conclusion: The NuEva study is designed to investigate the impact of common diets on health and disease status, with focus on prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the effectiveness of the prepared nutritional coaching strategy, ensuring optimal nutrient intake in accordance with the guidelines, is validated during the intervention period of the NuEva study.

Clinical Trial Registration: Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03582020.